Critics have assailed Trump for abruptly dismissing Comey, who was leading the agency's investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 USA election, and possible ties between Moscow and the Trump presidential campaign. But very well known, highly respected, really talented people.

A White House official has said Trump is considering 11 people to replace Comey.

About 11 people are being considered for the top job at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the acting director Andrew McCabe and the Republican Senator from Texas, John Cornyn. Pressed as to whether he could make his nomination before departing for an worldwide trip on Friday, Trump offered up a bit of insight into his decision process.

"Relish the opportunity to be an outsider", Trump said.

Trump addressed questions over the timing in his interview with Pirro, arguing that there was "no right time" to fire Comey.

In a sudden move late Tuesday night, Trump fired Comey, who had six more years left in his term.

"I think the process is going to go quickly".

He also cast doubt on White House claims that Mr Comey had lost the confidence of his staff.

According to a report in the New York Times, Mr Comey said he would offer the president honesty, but not loyalty.

On Friday, Trump tweeted, "Again, the story that there was collusion between the Russians & Trump campaign was fabricated by Dems as an excuse for losing the election". At least four candidates will be vying to be Comey's successor on Saturday.

The first person to be interviewed for the position was Alice Fisher, who served as assistant attorney general for the criminal division during the George W. Bush administration. The investigation is overseen by Dana Boente, the U.S. attorney in Alexandria, Va., who now also serves as the head of national security prosecutions at Justice Department headquarters.

Mr Trump's behaviour has provoked fresh comparisons between his administration and that of disgraced President Richard Nixon, who famously recorded conversations, speeding his downfall during the Watergate scandal.

During his Twitter rant Friday morning, Trump also suggested he may stop press briefings, threatened the "fake media" and excused his aides for not giving journalists accurate information. The initial reason given in Comey's termination letter was that Trump was acting on the recommendation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.